Malesani was axed this evening after the 6-1 defeat to Napoli, so the former Parma, Udinese and Catania boss was drafted in.

“I was struck by the conviction that President EnricoPreziosi showed when calling me this morning and we agreed a deal very quickly. His confidence in me made sure I didn’t think twice,” said Marino on Sky Sport Italia.

“This is the best Christmas present I could’ve asked for. I had not been contacted by Genoa before this morning and I’m happy that it was all sorted out so rapidly.

“When we resume training I will try to understand where the problems lie. It’s important to get a good idea of where we need to make adjustments when the transfer market opens, so we can try to resolve those issues.”

The top name to join in January is Juventus outcast Amauri, who already worked with Marino at Parma.

“Amauri did well with me at the Tardini. He hadn’t played in a long while and slowly got his form back. I’m sure some gifts will arrive from the club.”

Marino comes in mid-season, but has signed a contract holding him to Genoa until June 2013.

“I am happy with this deal, because I repeat I was surprised by the President’s belief in me. I will try to repay that faith any way I can.”